Billy Joel’s daughter says he’s “a fighter” in positive health update amid brain disorder
Billy Joel‘s daughter has issued a positive health update on her father after he was diagnosed with a brain disorder last year.
In 2025, Joel was forced to cancel all of his future shows after he was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). However, despite axing his tour, he has remained in the public eye.
At a show on February 22nd, 2025, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, Joel suffered a painful fall after throwing his microphone to a member of his crew before seemingly recovering to finish the concert, which was his final concert before his diagnosis.
In a new interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Alexa Ray Joel reflected on the incident in Connecticut, stating, “He played it down. He knows I have anxiety and am a neurotic worrier, so he was like, ‘Everything’s fine. It was just a little trip.'”
However, it still had a scarring effect on her, admitting, “When I saw the footage, I was crying. But then I went with him to the doctors, and we’re on top of everything. I just tell him to stay healthy.”
On a positive note, Alexa Ray said of her father’s current condition, “He’s doing physical therapy regularly, and he’s doing great.”
She continued, “He’s lost weight as he’s on his diet. I’m so proud of him. He’s such a trooper, so resilient and committed to being healthy and proactive. He’s a fighter.”
Her comments come after Billy returned to the stage for the first time since his diagnosis in early January, along with Billy Joel covers band, the Turnstiles, in Wellington, Florida, for a surprise appearance.
Joel has been upbeat when he’s spoken about his diagnosis. Last July, while on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, he said of his ongoing health issues, “I feel fine. My balance sucks.”
The New Yorker added: “It’s like being a boat… It used to be called ‘water on the brain.’ Now, it’s called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.”
However, in another interview, the 76-year-old did admit, “It was scary, but I’m okay. I just wanted to let people know, don’t worry about me being deathly ill or anything.”
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